Robert J. Stuessy

Robert “Bob” Stuessy of Madison, WI, passed away at the age of 73 after enduring Parkinson’s Disease for many years. Bob was born in Monroe, WI to Robert Edward and A. Viola (Rhyner) Stuessy and grew up in Brodhead, WI. He is survived by his daughter, Gina E. Stuessy, sister Rhonda J. (Stuessy) Volk, friend and former spouse Sharon (Ehredt) Stuessy, and many relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, John R. Stuessy in 2014, and his parents.

Bob graduated from Brodhead High School in 1971. He graduated with a BA, majoring in computer science, from UW-Madison in December, 1974. Bob began his career with the State of Wisconsin at the Dept. of Transportation as a computer programmer, eventually retiring as Director, Bureau of Network Management at the Dept. of Administration in December, 2010.

Bob was a thoughtful, soft-spoken, logical and inquisitive man with a quick and witty sense of humor. He was physically very active throughout his life. He became an avid long-distance runner starting in college. Bob trained almost daily. He participated in 10Ks, 20Ks, 10-mile runs, the Syttende Mai runs (when they were a 20-mile run from Madison to Stoughton) and eventually completed several marathons. Bob also biked the 6+ miles to work very often, even in winter, along the shore road and paths of Lake Mendota. He loved nature and was frequently outdoors. Even as his health deteriorated, Bob cautiously walked to see the scenery around Middleton Glen Senior Housing. Once he needed them, he walked with hiking poles. He later needed a walker and eventually he used a wheelchair. While on walks with Rhonda or Sharon around Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, Bob continued to see the beauty in his surroundings and the countryside that reminded him of growing up on the farm.

Bob enjoyed nightly reading with young John and Gina, and engaging in or watching them pursuing various sports later on. Family vacations up north were peaceful and gave Bob and the kids more one on one time. Bob was proud for his family to visit Grandpa and Grandma Stuessy for holidays and birthdays. While Grandma finished preparing a meal, Grandpa, who became a grandfather when he was 78 years old, would sometimes be on the floor playing with little Gina and with John who was 4 years younger. The Stuessy’s enjoyed playing a Swiss card game called Jass. It was surprising how quickly John and Gina learned the unique game and were able to play it with their dad.

Bob loved cooking healthy meals for his family, often pasta, and had quite a large appetite himself. He later became a vegetarian, following his daughter Gina’s example. But being Swiss, and having grown up on a dairy farm in Brodhead, he continued to eat the cheeses he loved. Bob enjoyed classical music, and the music of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Eva Cassidy among others. Music was always playing in Bob’s room at Oakwood. The staff commented how they enjoyed listening to music when visiting his room.

Bob particularly enjoyed the challenge of chess and games with his good friend Mike for years. In retirement, he and Mike met monthly to have a chess game, maybe a beer, at alternating houses while Bob was still driving. Later Mike visited Bob at his home to have a game. He played for as long as his health allowed. Even when Bob could no longer play chess, Mike visited him wherever he lived.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center for their tender care over the year that Bob lived there. And a special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their help during Bob’s final months.

An event in celebration of Bob’s life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation at The Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of your choice.